Transfer and Other Charges:

Florence area

Seasons
To avoid the heat, it’s best to visit in spring and autumn. During the peak summer months of July and August, the weather can be very hot, but it still gets cooler in the evenings, as the riding center is located in the mountains. Autumn sees the countryside glow with abundance of wild mushrooms and just-pressed olive oil. The winters are not too chilly with the lowest expected temperatures in the peak of winter being around 0°C / 32°F.

What to bring:

•Riding Hat: A hat is essential for protection from rain and sun. Hard hats are compulsory for under 18's. If possible, take your own or we can lend you one
•Riding Trousers: for the western saddle cow boy jeans are ideal – they are flatly seamed and are particularly long in the leg. Jodhpurs are fine if worn with half chaps.
•Long sleeve tops: Lightweight long sleeve tops protect from the sun and from scratches from branches and undergrowth.
•Footwear: The correct footwear is important for riding. We use light walking boots, high on the ankle, not too big. Ideally, short boots or gym shoes should be worn with half chaps. We do not recommend riding boots with a smooth sole.
•Waterproof jacket
•Ear plugs: can be useful in shared accommodation
•Warm sweater
•Hat:  to protect from sun and rain
•Swim costume, suncream, sun glasses
•Insect repellent: recommended in July, August and September
•Ear plugs: can be useful when sharing the room with other people
•a first-aid kit accompanies all trips, but you should not forget personal medicines, for example those for allergies.
•Sensible underwear: be sensible with underwear - dress for comfort. Torch, penknife
•We provide 2 towels - you may need an extra one
•Electricity 220 V, you need an European adaptor
•And don't forget to bring your camera
•Insurance documents: It's important to make sure you are insured for all the activities of your riding holiday. Our insurance pays for damages depending on our acknowledged responsibility of the accident. Payment is authorised following a request for damages to be considered by the insurance company. A personal policy is different in that it always pays you out according to your agreed contract. This is what we advise you to do. Be aware that occasionally personal policies exclude dangerous sports such as riding, but by warning the company you can include it.
•Payment is made on departure by cheque or cash; sorry we can't accept credit cards

Picnic on the Day-ride: our staff bring the food and fresh drinks to your picnic place, such as a cold pasta salad, salami, cheese, vegetables. When the picnic is to be carried in saddlebags we supply the riders with everything they need to carry the picnic on their horse with various salami, cheeses and vegetables.

Vegetarians catered for, but please let us know in advance

Tack:		Western (English saddle is available)
Horses:		Italian breeds (Maremma and Sardinian)
Pace:		According to experience Moderate with trots and canters and gallops when possible 2-3 hours per day with on Friday 4-6 hours | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(1 to 3.5 out of 5)    Beginner
Age:		Min 10
Weight:		Max 90 kg
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 18 riders

Horses
The well-being and sound preparation of our horses is of prime importance to us.
Our stables has 35 horses of different breeds (Maremma, Quarter horse, Sardinian anglo-arab), all of which have been trained or re-trained following the principles of “natural horsemanship” to guarantee maximum physical and psychological condition and reliability.
Our horses are capable of teaching basic skills to absolute beginners as well as being able to accompany and entertain more advanced riders.
Our horses are not restricted to lonely stables but live altogether outside in the fields, which allows them to remain healthy, both physically and mentally. Their diet is constantly monitored and their work regime adapted individually according to age and condition. 
The same attention is given to the relationship between horses and riders, so as to guarantee each guest the best suited workmate, offering also the possibility of using a variety of horses throughout the holiday.

Riding
The main reason so many people choose to stay with us is without doubt the possibility – even for total beginners – to enjoy one- or two-hour rides.
There are many different rides, as the surrounding countryside is also vast and varied, and they can be adapted to suit all levels.
From the farm, you can explore the surrounding parts on all sides, climbing up mount Bardellone for a view of Florence, descending down to the river Sieve, or galloping up to the village Rufina, famous in the world of Chianti wine.
You can ride through vineyards and olive groves to reach the little village of Doccia, or simply stop off in one of the celebrate wine cellars of the area to indulge in some local wine-tasting.
On Fridays we usually organize an all-day ride (4-6 hours in the saddle) with a stop for a picnic somewhere scenic, or lunch at the Castello del Trebbio where you can visit the cellars and taste some wine before riding back to the farm.